NNPC Reports Progress in Combating Crude Oil Theft Across Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has made significant strides in its ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft across the Niger Delta region, according to recent reports.

A documentary released by NNPCL highlighted that a total of 165 illegal refineries were uncovered in various locations within the Niger Delta last week. Between June 15 and 21, approximately 400 incidents of oil theft and vandalism were reported by government and private security agencies.

In specific operations, 69 illegal connections were detected and dismantled in Bayelsa and Rivers States. Furthermore, the region experienced eight incidents of oil spills resulting from vandalism and illegal connections. An illegal loading point was also discovered in Warri, Delta State.

NNPCL’s documentary also revealed the dismantling of 69 illegal refineries in swamps across Okrika, Rivers State. Operations successfully halted the construction of an ‘oven’ used for illegal crude oil refining in these areas. Similar illegal refining sites were uncovered in Abia and Bayelsa States.

Additionally, NNPCL identified and dismantled 19 illegal storage sites holding stolen crude oil and illegally refined products across Delta, Imo, Rivers, Abia, and Bayelsa States. Law enforcement operations led to the seizure of 11 vehicles in Delta, Akwa-Ibom, and Bayelsa States, and the confiscation of 39 boats transporting stolen crude in Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa States. Eight individuals were arrested in connection with these incidents.

These efforts come at a critical time as Nigeria’s crude oil production faces challenges, impacting the country’s ability to meet its OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels per day. Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, emphasized the necessity of addressing insecurity in the oil and gas sector, underscoring its direct impact on national oil production.

Kyari stated, “Addressing the security challenge in our onshore assets is crucial for increasing oil production. Over the past two years, we have removed over 5,800 illegal connections from our pipelines and dismantled over 6,000 illegal refineries. These actions are essential to attracting investment and ensuring efficient delivery of oil to the market.”